Organizer Information
The University of South Alabama is a public university located in Mobile, Alabama, United States. Its Department of Art & Art History offers undergraduate and graduate study in visual arts, art history, and creative technologies. Relevant options include studio-based disciplines, photography, animation, graphic design, glass, and an interdisciplinary Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Technologies and Practice. The university accepts international applications through its dedicated International Admissions and Student Programs office.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: University of South Alabama
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate, Graduate
- Degrees Offered: BA, BFA, MFA
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts, Art History, Animation, Graphic Design, Photography, Ceramics, Glass, Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking, Creative Technologies
- Relevant Programs: BA in Visual Arts; BFA in Visual Arts; MFA in Creative Technologies and Practice
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Undergraduate applications follow semester-based deadlines; MFA applications are accepted throughout the year.
- Application Deadline: Varies by entry semester and program; international applicants outside the United States have separate priority deadlines.
- Start of Studies: Fall, Spring, and Summer for undergraduate admission; Fall is the normal MFA intake.
- Application Fee: $35 online undergraduate; $60 online graduate international application.
- Tuition: 2026–2027, College of Arts and Sciences: $772 per undergraduate credit hour and $990 per graduate credit hour for out-of-state students.
- Funding: Departmental art scholarships and graduate assistantships are available, subject to eligibility and selection.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
The Department of Art & Art History offers the following areas of study:
- BA in Visual Arts: Art History or Studio Art.
- BFA in Visual Arts: Animation, Art History, Ceramics, Glass, Graphic Design, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, or Sculpture.
- MFA in Creative Technologies and Practice: Interdisciplinary study connecting artistic practice with areas such as animation, computer science, architectural design, painting, drawing, art history, museum studies, sculpture, and mechanical engineering.
The MFA does not require an undergraduate degree specifically concentrated in art. Applicants must, however, submit a portfolio demonstrating proficiency in the medium they wish to pursue.
General Eligibility
- Domestic and international applicants may apply, subject to the requirements of their chosen program and study level.
- Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the university's academic admission requirements. International first-year applicants are assessed using secondary-school records, while transfer applicants are evaluated using applicable secondary and postsecondary records.
- Graduate applicants must satisfy both university-wide graduate admission requirements and any additional requirements established by their intended program.
Educational Background
- Undergraduate: First-year applicants must submit secondary-school academic records. International first-year applicants must meet the university's minimum cumulative GPA requirement of 2.5, as calculated by the admissions office.
- Transfer: International transfer applicants generally need a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, subject to the applicable evaluation rules.
- MFA in Creative Technologies and Practice: Applicants are normally expected to have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Exceptional applicants may be considered with a GPA of at least 2.5 overall or 2.75 over their last 60 undergraduate credit hours.
Language Requirements
International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency unless they qualify for an official exemption.
For international undergraduate applicants, the university lists these minimum scores:
- IELTS Academic: 5.5
- TOEFL iBT: 61, or 3.5 on the six-point scoring scale
- Duolingo English Test: 95
- iTEP: 3.6
- Pearson Academic: 44
For international graduate applicants, the listed minimums are IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 71 or 4 on the six-point scoring scale, Duolingo 100, iTEP 3.7, and Pearson Academic 48.
Some programs may require higher scores. Applicants who hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited US institution are exempt from the stated international English-proficiency requirement for graduate admission.
Application Fee
| Applicant category | Online application fee | Paper application fee |
|---|---|---|
| International undergraduate | $35 | $45 |
| International graduate | $60 | — |
Tuition
The following rates apply to the 2026–2027 academic year for the College of Arts and Sciences, which houses the Department of Art & Art History.
| Study level | Alabama resident, per credit hour | Out-of-state, per credit hour |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $386 | $772 |
| Graduate | $495 | $990 |
International students generally fall under the out-of-state tuition category.
The university's published 2026–2027 estimated funding requirements for international students include:
| Expense category | Undergraduate | Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and fees | $20,486 | $12,990 |
| Living expenses | $9,330 | $9,330 |
| Books | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Health insurance | $3,439 | $3,439 |
| Total estimated funding | $34,255 | $26,759 |
These are estimates used for issuing immigration documents, based on specified credit loads and College of Arts and Sciences rates. They are not guaranteed final bills. Additional charges may depend on the student's program and enrollment.
Funding & Financial Support
- The Department of Art & Art History administers scholarships for eligible students, including awards associated with glass art, visual arts, and art history. Some awards require a portfolio and academic transcripts; individual scholarships have their own eligibility conditions.
- The MFA program accepts applications for assistantships throughout the year. Applicants seeking assistantship consideration should submit their application by 15 February. Assistantships and scholarships are competitive and should not be considered guaranteed funding. International applicants should confirm eligibility for each award directly with the relevant department.
University Services & Academic Support
- The Department of Art & Art History offers opportunities for interdisciplinary study, internships, and study-abroad programs. Its MFA program supports creative and research-based work across multiple disciplines. The university's International Admissions and Student Programs office provides international admissions assistance and incoming-student orientation, including guidance on registration and student services. Access to particular facilities or opportunities depends on program and student eligibility.
Application Requirements
International undergraduate applicants must submit:
- Completed application and processing fee.
- Academic records covering the applicable secondary and/or postsecondary studies.
- Evidence of English proficiency or documentation of an exemption.
International graduate applicants must submit:
- Completed graduate application and processing fee.
- Official academic records, as required.
- English-proficiency evidence or qualifying exemption.
- Program-required supporting documents.
MFA in Creative Technologies and Practice applicants must submit:
- Official transcripts.
- Artist's statement of no more than 500 words.
- Letter of intent of no more than 500 words.
- Résumé or curriculum vitae.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Portfolio of 20 pieces demonstrating proficiency in the intended medium. For a focus on video, film, or animation, the department requires five portfolio equivalents, each 3–5 minutes long.
The MFA portfolio and written materials are program-specific requirements. Other graduate programs may require different supplemental documents or standardized tests.
How to Apply?
Deadline & Timeline
International undergraduate priority deadlines for applicants applying from outside the United States:
- Fall semester: 1 April 2027
- Spring semester: 1 October 2026
- Summer semester: 1 March 2027
International undergraduate priority deadlines for applicants already in the United States:
- Fall semester: 15 July 2027
- Spring semester: 1 December 2026
- Summer semester: 1 April 2027
MFA in Creative Technologies and Practice:
- Assistantship application deadline: 15 February 2027
- Application review period begins: 15 February 2027
- Application review period ends: 15 July 2027
- Normal start of studies: Fall semester
Location
University of South Alabama — Mobile, Alabama, United States
Additional Details
- International students must pay a non-refundable $500 admission deposit before the university issues an I-20 or DS-2019. The deposit is applied toward first-semester tuition.
- Applicants seeking an F-1 visa must demonstrate sufficient funds for at least one year of tuition, living expenses, and fees.
- International academic records not issued in English must include certified translations. Consolidated mark sheets are not accepted under the stated international admissions requirements.
- The university's general international admissions requirements do not replace individual program requirements. Applicants should verify the current requirements for their intended degree and concentration before submitting materials.